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Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken and Rice Bake

creamy garlic herb chicken - featured image

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy garlic herb sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice
  • Optional: diced mushrooms or spinach

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
  3. In a large sautΓ© pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of chopped rosemary and 1 teaspoon of thyme to the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of long-grain rice with the creamy garlic herb sauce. Stir until the rice is evenly coated.
  7. Spread the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
  8. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the entire dish.
  9. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

[‘Properly season the chicken for maximum flavor.’, ‘Use fresh herbs for the best taste, but dried herbs can be substituted.’, ‘If rice is not fully cooked after baking, add a splash of hot chicken broth, cover, and bake for another 5-10 minutes.’, ‘Customize the creaminess by swapping half the heavy cream for milk or chicken broth.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bake, creamy garlic chicken, herb chicken, rice bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal